The Most Exciting Nashville Events
World-renowned spots and a vibrant, artistic culture are just two of the reasons why Nashville, Tennessee, should be your go-to U.S. destination. You certainly won’t run out of things to do here, either. Between star-studded landmarks, premier shopping, bustling nightlife, delicious food, and exciting events, there’s something for everyone in Music City! Below, we’ve listed just a few of our favorite Nashville events.
Looking for more things to do during your Music City getaway, you need to access our free Nashville Travel Guide! It’s full of our best suggestions for making the most of your trip.
Don’t Miss These Exciting Events in Nashville
Winter Events
1. Music City Bowl: December
Football is huge in Nashville, and the Music City Bowl is the city’s favorite post-season game! It has been held in Music City every winter since 1998.
2. Holiday Harmony: November—January
Every holiday season, Nashville offers joyful celebrations and beautiful decorations as a part of Holiday Harmony. This season-long series offers a variety of festive events for all ages.
3. Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: December
This New Year’s Eve, “rock out” the old and “ring in” the new! Find this enormous celebration at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in the final hours of the year. Major stars like Keith Urban, Peter Frampton, and Judah + the Lion have headlined this popular event.
4. A Tennessee Titans or Nashville Predators Game: Dates Vary
Nashville is a sports fan’s paradise! Between Tennessee Titans (NFL) games and Nashville Predators (NHL) tournaments, there’s an exciting competition waiting here every winter!
5. 12 South’s Winter Warmer Beer Festival: November—December
Like craft beer? Then you’ll love the Winter Warmer Beer Festival held in the 12 South neighborhood. This extremely popular event features hundreds of incredible local brews (plus a few rare imports).
6. A Country Christmas: November—January
For a truly unbelievable indoor Christmas experience (perfect for all ages), swing by the massive Gaylord Opryland Resort for their interactive winter displays. Don’t forget to snap a photo and play at ICE!
7. Nashville Originals Restaurant Week: January
Taste the flavors of Nashville’s exuberant food scene, and support the growing culinary community in Music City when you attend Nashville Originals Restaurant Week!
8. Wine on the Rails: February
Put on your vintage attire, and hop aboard a train accompanied by delicious Tennessee wines. It’s always a great time at Wine on the Rails!
Spring Events
1. Music City Irish Fest: March
Looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate St. Patty’s Day? Get your green on at Public Square Park this March! The Music City Irish Fest offers top-tier Irish music, food and drink, and plenty of Nashville flair.
2. Rock ‘N Roll Marathon: April
The Rock ‘N Roll Marathon Series brings live bands and cheer teams to Nashville each spring to help make running fun. It encompasses a full marathon, half-marathon, and 5K organized by the IRONMAN Group. It was previously known as the Country Music Marathon in Nashville and began in 2000.
3. Iroquois Steeplechase: May
Dating back to 1941, the Iroquois Steeplechase is a Nashville staple! This historic horse race gives locals and visitors alike the chance to dress in their Sunday best and bet big!
4. Cheekwood in Bloom: March—April
Six full weeks of spring-themed activities and blossoming tulips await at Cheekwood in Bloom! Find this festive event at Nashville’s beautiful Cheekwood Estate and Gardens.
5. Nashville Fashion Week: April
Nashville Fashion Week is a city-wide celebration of chic trends, imaginative designers, local retail spots, up-and-coming models, and industry thought leaders.
6. East Nashville Beer Festival: April
Celebrate East Nashville’s thriving food and beverage scene at the East Nashville Beer Festival! Here, you’ll discover countless local brews. The best part? You’ll be able to do so in the warm sunshine (most Nashville beer fests are held in the fall and winter months).
Summer Events
1. CMA Music Festival: June
One of Nashville’s most popular music-related events is the CMA Music Fest. Held at the Nissan Stadium every June, this 4-day festival takes “Music City” to an entirely new level!
2. Nashville Fourth of July: July
The Fourth of July is a big deal in Nashville! Celebrate by family fun, fireworks, and free live shows downtown.
3. l’Eté du Vin: August
An affiliate of the Nashville Wine Auction, l’Eté du Vin occurs over the course of an August weekend every year and offers an exclusive set of food- and wine-centric events.
4. Tennessee Brew Works Block Party: May
Typically held every May, the Tennessee Brew Works Block Party features plenty of live music, craft brews, and high-energy fun.
5. Bonnaroo: June
This iconic music festival takes places every summer in Manchester, Tennessee, just a short drive away from Nashville!
6. Bluebird on the Mountain Concert Series: May—October
After a short hiatus each winter, Bluebird on the Mountain returns in May with curated shows hand-picked and sponsored by the iconic Bluebird Cafe crew!
Fall Events
1. Music City Food and Wine Festival: September
There’s no better way to experience Nashville’s world-renowned food and beverage scene than this festival! It brings some of the country’s top chefs and culinary experts together for an unforgettable (and tasty) weekend.
2. Nashville Oktoberfest: October
This version of the popular Bavarian tradition spans 10 city blocks in downtown Nashville! The Nashville Oktoberfest features music, food, and even a 5K that you won’t want to miss.
3. Cheekwood Harvest: September—October
If you’re looking for something family-friendly to do in Nashville this fall, the Cheekwood Harvest at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens has all kinds of autumnal fun for everyone!
4. Americana Music Festival: September
The Americana Music Festival is a fall staple in Nashville. Come and experience a host of talented Americana artists perform intimate shows all over town!
5. African Street Festival: September
For over 25 years, Nashville’s African Street Festival has brought a series of colorful, cultural celebrations to visitors and locals alike.
Stay Near All of the Action in Nashville!
While planning a trip around these exciting celebrations, be sure to book your perfect home-away-from-home with Playlist Properties! We offer a collection of incredible vacation rentals with premium amenities such as ultra-chic decor, convenient code entry, free parking, and fully stocked kitchens. Plus, when you book directly with us, you could save hundreds of dollars (as opposed to booking through an OTA). We offer homes in nearly every Nashville neighborhood, so you’ll be close to every aspect of Music City. Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip or need a place to stay for Nashville business travel, we have you covered!